The Spirit of Leadership: Courage, Connection, Change

Leadership is not defined by titles but by the courage to take initiative, the ability to connect with others, and the capacity to adapt to change. With this belief, the SEGian Care Club partnered with SMK Convent Green Lane, Penang, to conduct a leadership workshop titled “The Spirit of Leadership: Courage, Connection, Change.” The programme brought together 38 student leaders from Form 1–4, including Pengawas, Ketua Kelas, Ketua Tingkatan, and Pembimbing Rakan Sebaya (PRS).

Led by Mr. Jivanishenthiran A/L Rajathurai (Executive, Licensed Counsellor), supported by Course Counsellor Ms. Nurin Batrisyia Binti Saifulariff, and facilitated by SEGian Care Club member Mr. Koay Jun Hong (BABMM), the session aimed to inspire and empower student leaders with the essential qualities of responsibility, empathy, and resilience.

The workshop introduced participants to a dynamic and reflective journey that blended creativity with practical exercises. Students began with an icebreaker activity, “Draw Yourself as a Leader,” which allowed them to express their identity and vision through drawings. This was followed by a session on recognising strengths and weaknesses, helping them build self-awareness and confidence.

Another key highlight was the affirmation exercise, where students developed personal leadership statements such as “I am a courageous leader” or “I am a responsible leader.” These affirmations encouraged participants to embody the qualities they aspire to develop. The workshop concluded with sharing and peer connection activities, which fostered empathy, unity, and mutual understanding among the young leaders.

The response to the programme was overwhelmingly positive. Students described the activities as meaningful, fun, and practical, while teachers praised the simple yet impactful approach that encouraged self-reflection and emotional growth. Encouraged by the outcome, the school has formally requested a full-day workshop in the near future, demonstrating confidence in the programme’s relevance and long-term impact.

The workshop also highlighted opportunities for future improvement, such as expanding into a full-day session for deeper engagement, adjusting the timing to begin after 9:00 AM to ease traffic concerns, and ensuring smoother logistics through reserved parking and better communication channels. These recommendations will help enhance the effectiveness of upcoming sessions.

The Spirit of Leadership: Courage, Connection, Change was a transformative experience that went beyond traditional leadership training. It gave students the tools to reflect, connect, and lead with empathy — preparing them for the responsibilities of leadership both in school and beyond.

This initiative also contributes to two important United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4: Quality Education

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